Homily: Sixth Friday of Ordinary Time

Sixth Friday of Ordinary Time (Genesis 11:1-9) “Do You Speak Jesus’ Language?”

The Tower of Babel is another religious myth that carries many meanings. The myth might be meant to lampoon the people of Babylon which was the capital city of Babylonia. The Babylonians were one of the most powerful nations on earth in ancient times. The hanging gardens of Babylon were considered one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. The Babylonians seemed to have a fascination with building ostentatious structures. The tall buildings proved how powerful they were. But the writer of Genesis uses this architecture to emphasize the sovereignty of God. At some point the Babylonians were brought low and their empire was destroyed.

The story is also an explanation for why there were different languages in the world. God uses the confusion of many languages to divide humanity so that human beings would not become too proud. We might ask what the common language was that was spoken before the Tower of Babel fiasco.

We might get a clue in the Acts of the Apostles. If we remember the story of Pentecost, we recall that after the descent of the Holy Spirit the Apostles went out and preached in the streets. Everyone understood what was said. How are we to interpret that event.

One way to look at it is that the Apostles spoke the common language of the Gospel. Everyone could relate to the message that we are to love God and our neighbor. This message can be understood across different languages and cultures.

We might consider how the Catholic church is a worldwide organization. We can find the church in almost every corner of the world. As baptized believers we are part of the People of God. The People of God speaks a common language and engages in a common purpose to spread the Gospel which is meant to bring Glory to God.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do believe that the common language of the Gospel can unite the peoples of the world? How many nationalities are represented at Sacred Heart?

2.    Does religion ever divide people? Is that caused by the same difficulties that we find in the religious myth of the Tower of Babel?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Now is the time to think about our Lenten Penance. Lent starts next week. Since this is a time of Eucharistic renewal a good Lenten Penance might be to attend daily Mass during the six weeks of Lent. We have at least two Masses every day as Sacred Heart. Most parishes do not. This is a true blessing.

          People can attend Mass before they go to work in the morning because our first Mass is at 6:30 a.m. This is a wonderful way to start the day. Why not try developing the habit of receiving the Eucharist daily.

          May Our Lady Pray for the people of Turkey and Syria today.

          Fr. Mark